John Morrison is the Battalion Chief of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department who was tragically killed in the line of duty, find out more about the firefighter and his death below
According to fire chief Tom Greif, he was described as a rock-solid leader who earned every promotion through sheer grit and heart.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said the 20-year-old shooter, Wess Roley opened fire after firefighters responded to a blaze he had set with a flint. He attacked the first responders after they asked him to move his vehicle.
Who is John Morrison, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho firefighter shot dead by shooter Wess Roley, bio, age, wife and family
R.I.P. — Firefighters killed in Idaho ambush identified as Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Northern Lakes Fire Dept., & Coeur d'Alene Fire Dept. Battalion Chief John Morrison pic.twitter.com/yshmi5zUAY
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 30, 2025
The two firefighter victims of the Idaho sh**ting have been identified.
John Morrison, 52- Coeur d'Alene Fire Dept. Battalion Chief
Frank Harwood, 42- Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief
RIP heros 💔 pic.twitter.com/KutINgdee9
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 1, 2025
Morrison’s death has seemingly left a deep void in the firefighting community, sparking widespread tributes from colleagues and national leaders.
John Morrison biography
Age 52 John Morrison was an Idaho firefighter who recently passed away in a tragic shooting. Prior to his death, he had nearly three decades of public service after joining the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department 28 years ago. He reportedly worked his way up from being a firefighter to battalion chief. Morrison was known for his leadership and humility and mentored countless younger firefighters, playing a crucial role in shaping the department’s culture of service and dedication.
Age and height
John Morrison was 52 years old at the time of his death and stood at a height of 6 feet (183 cm).
Idaho: Killed in the line of duty:
John Morrison, Battalion Chief with Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, and member of Coeur d'Alene Firefighter
IAFF Local 710Frank J. Harwood, Battalion Chief with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, and member of Kootenai County Fire Fighters,
IAFF… pic.twitter.com/SxSKM8FRCg— The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) July 1, 2025
Career
John Morrison started out his firefighting career as a rookie and steadily climbed up the ranks. Throughout his 28 years as a professional firefighter, he built a reputation for his professionalism, courage, and commitment. Morrison eventually earned the title of Battalion Chief, which is one of the highest ranks in the department. As a firefighter, Morrison was actively involved in training, crisis response, and mentoring and earned a reputation for his work ethic.
Morrison, 52- Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Battalion Chief spent 28 years with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and moved up the ranks as a firefighter, engineer and captain before becoming battalion chief. He was a long-time paramedic as well.
Wife and marriage
While there is no information publicly available about Morrison’s family life, he was known as a dedicated husband and father. Gabe Eckert, in his speech, who is the President of the Coeur d’Alene Firefighter’s Union, recalled his conversations with Morrison about fatherhood, leadership, and personal growth.
Tributes
Following his tragic death, tributes have come pouring in from local and national firefighting communities. Fellow firefighter Gabe Eckert emotionally remembered how she shared cigars with Morrison during a quiet moment at the station. The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) also identified Morrison and fellow fallen firefighter Frank Harwood in a heartfelt post and vowed to keep their families in their prayers.
Edward A. Kelly, IAFF General President, condemned the violence and called it “nothing short of horrific.”